The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Ucluelet, Canada

While Ucluelet may not be the easiest to say, its certainly a great hidden gem to stay in with its gorgeous coastline
While Ucluelet may not be the easiest to say, it's certainly a great hidden gem to stay in with its gorgeous coastline | Courtesy of Waters Edge Shoreside Suites / Expedia
Sandra Thomas

Ucluelet is located on the traditional territories of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nations and the name – pronounced “You-clue-let” – is a Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation word, translating as “people with a safe place to land”. Ucluelet might be a place of rugged coastlines, wild weather and spectacular ocean views, but it also has a flourishing food scene that’s taking the culinary world by storm. Affectionately known as “Ukee” by locals, the community has a laid-back vibe and thrives on outdoor recreation and ecotourism, in addition to some awesome places to stay – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Water's Edge Shoreside Suites, for a weekend away with your furry friend

Suite Hotel

The lounge area at Waters Edge Shoreside Suites
Courtesy of Waters Edge Shoreside Suites / Expedia

This pet-friendly property is located on a narrow strip of land, which juts into a protected harbor so the suites are essentially surrounded by water. The proximity to the ocean means prime wildlife viewing, so guests can see eagles, sea otters, shorebirds, sea lions, bears and more across the harbor. Many of the suites feature soaker tubs on the decks. Try the Avocado Sphere at Seom – located on the top floor of the resort – offering ocean views and a modern twist on Korean comfort food.

2. The Francis Boutique Inn, for adults-only fun

Boutique Hotel

The front exterior of the Francis Boutique Inn
Courtesy of the Francis Boutique Inn / Expedia

With only suites, the adults-only Francis Boutique Inn – located in the heart of downtown Ucluelet – is the quiet getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Perched on a private hillside, guests can enjoy harbor views while relaxing in the outdoor hot tub. The inn showcases thoughtfully curated art and promises free “ultra-fast” Wi-Fi, handy for anyone working remotely. The inn is just a minute’s walk to the shops and restaurants of downtown Ucluelet.

3. Best Coast Cabin, for a rural cabin retreat

Cabin

The front area of Best Coast Cabin
Courtesy of Best Coast Cabin / Expedia

The rugged charm of this cabin is enhanced by the even more rugged wilderness surrounding it, which makes stargazing as you soak in the outdoor hot tub all the more memorable. This pet-friendly, non-smoking cabin includes one bedroom upstairs, as well as a loft at the top of the stairs and one bathroom – located on serene Spring Cove. Fir timber-frame beams run the length of the cabin and an open-concept kitchen is fully equipped to handle whatever your culinary plans are.

5. Ocean’s Edge, for sundowners by the ocean

Hotel

A double room at Oceans Edg
Courtesy of Ocean’s Edge / Expedia

Wind down with a relaxing stay at Ocean’s Edge for its white sand, wild surf and storm watching. With floor-to-ceiling, wrap-around windows overlooking the beach and Frank Island, guests have a front-row seat to the antics of swimmers, surfers, dog walkers and beach-combers in the summer – and all the West Coast weather can throw at them in winter. An outdoor hot tub also overlooks the beach to make for the perfect sundowner spot. Bliss.

6. Pluvio Restaurant and Rooms, for the rain lovers

Guesthouse

A double room at Pluvio Restaurant and Rooms
Courtesy of Pluvio Restaurant and Rooms / Expedia

In short, a pluviophile is “A lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.” – which is more than apparent here. While many West Coast residents lament the rain BC enjoys each winter, Pluvio owners Chef Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey embrace it to the fullest. The couple completed the restaurant in April 2019 and that same year, it was named “Fourth Best New Restaurant in Canada” by enRoute magazine. The hotel offers “fur-cation” packages with advanced bookings – which include a designated pet bed and towel, pet food, water bowls and treats.

7. Whale's Tail Guest Suites, for keeping active on vacation

Guesthouse, Suite Hotel

The front exterior of Whales Tail Guest Suites
Courtesy of Whale's Tail Guest Suites / Expedia

Whale’s Tail Guest Suites and West Coast Motel share the same owner, so guests at both locations have free access to West Coast Fitness Centre on-site – complete with an indoor pool, huge gym with harbor views and a soothing sauna. The guest suites include one, two and three-bedroom condos located in downtown Ucluelet. The one-bedroom suites are child-friendly, but children under 12 are not allowed in the two or three-bedroom suites. This non-smoking property has a barbecue area and is within walking distance of restaurants and harbor.

8. A Snug Harbour Inn, for a stairway to coastal heaven

Inn

The front exterior of a Snug Harbour Inn
Courtesy of a Snug Harbour Inn / Expedia

Ranked as one of Canada’s Top 10 B&Bs, a Snug Harbour Inn consists of a main building with four ocean-view rooms, the Great Room, the main deck with a hot tub and a stairway to a private beach and deck 85ft (25m) below. The Great Room is a special focal point of a Snug Harbour Inn and includes a wall of windows allowing for spectacular views of the rugged Pacific coastline – especially during the storm-watching season. All breakfasts are made in-house from scratch and are delivered to individual guests each morning.

9. Sitka House, for cool convenience

Cabin, Homestay

The lounge area at Sitka House
Courtesy of Sitka House / Expedia

This private, two-bedroom home is situated on the edge of Spring Cove and surrounded by a coastal temperate rainforest. This suite has a bright open-concept living area with a pull-out sofa, sunny porch with a barbecue, private waterfront and outdoor shower on the side for a post-surf wash. Sitka House is located on a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance to Little Beach, as well as a grocery store, shops and restaurants.

10. Love Shanty, for a romantic retreat for two

Cabin

A double room at Love Shanty
Courtesy of Love Shanty / Expedia

Situated in the heart of Ucluelet, this cute little red cabin is just a short stroll to Little Beach, the Wild Pacific Trail and Amphitrite Lighthouse. Ideal for a romantic getaway for two, Love Shanty is equipped with everything you need for a home away from home experience – including a stovetop, microwave and dishwasher. A barbecue allows you to put your grill skills to the test, too – especially if you’ve purchased some of the freshest seafood available in Ucluelet.

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